The Purpose of Our Speech and Actions

Here are two verses that have a close relationship with eachother:                   

“Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, tobuild him up” (Romans 15:2).

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths,but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, thatit may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29).

Do you see the common thread? Building others up!What we do and what we say is to benefit other Christians.

Here are similar thoughts on evangelism:

“Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself aslave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew,to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (thoughI myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those nothaving the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free fromGod’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. Tothe weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men sothat by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of thegospel, that I may share in its blessings” (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).

“Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or thechurch of God—even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am notseeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow myexample, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 10:32-11:1).

This is not optional! What we do and what we say is not forour good but for the good of many that they might be saved.

How To Be Free From Bitterness and other essays on Christian relationships